Do we drink enough water each day? In North America, probably not. Dehydration is subtle [...]]]> I’ve always been fascinated by water. Its chemistry is deceptive – two hydrogen atoms latched onto an oxygen atom – two invisible gases combine to produce a most amazingly beautiful and essential substance! More than 60% of our body is water.

Do we drink enough water each day? In North America, probably not. Dehydration is subtle at first. Symptoms of mild dehydration include chronic pains in joints and muscles, lower back pain, headaches and constipation. Thirst is an obvious sign – but we need water long before we feel thirsty. Often when we think we’re hungry, we’re actually just thirsty. Another symptom of dehydration is headaches. There may be many causes for headaches, but dehydration is a common one.

How much water should we drink? Health authorities suggest at least eight glasses of water per day (64 fluid ounces, or 1.89 liters) – and we need more than that when we exercise. A lot of people find it useful to get a big plastic drinking bottle, fill it with water, and carry it around with them. One consultant I knew had a big pop bottle of water on her desk and made sure she drank it all before she went home each day.

So let’s notice the amount of water we consume today and remember to drink eight or more glasses full of that wondrous liquid.

Post by Geoff Crinean, Senior trainer & business coach
Crossposted at Business-insight.biz